Santa Claus took a break from his pre-Christmas festivities to venture down to Finland and take a test run on BOLT, the first-ever roller coaster at sea aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras which is being delivered at the Meyer Turku shipyard later this week.
With enthusiastic shrieks of delight and a few hearty “ho-ho-ho’s” echoing throughout the shipyard, Santa zipped along the 800-foot-long track featuring a hairpin curve around the ship’s iconic funnel, all while achieving speeds of up to 40 miles an hour.
The all-electric coaster can accommodate two riders, or one Santa Claus and his bag of toys, perhaps, in motorcycle-like vehicles that race 187 feet above the waterline, providing incredible views to the sea below.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I think a rollercoaster could be on a cruise ship. It’s something we’ll be talking about at the North Pole for a long time!” St. Nick said.
About Bolt
Built-in partnership with Germany-based Mauer Rides, BOLT is a first-of-its-kind open-air attraction that takes cruise industry innovation to new heights when the ship enters service in 2021 from Port Canaveral, Fla.
Needless to say, this has not been the “bricktastic” year we were hoping for … so before Christmas even arrives, Master Model Builders Tim Sams and PJ Catalano are ringing in 2021 early at LEGOLAND® California Resort with a classic LEGO® brick drop in Miniland New York!
The family theme park in San Diego has been closed since mid-March and while guests and Park staff will have to miss the traditional and popular Kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration, hundreds of LEGO Minilanders are already ringing in the new year in a way that’s all too appropriate.
The LEGO Miniland revelers are standing six LEGO studs apart (as close to 6 feet in Miniland terms as possible) as they wait in line to receive toilet paper and vaccine shots – the perfect party favors to end 2020.
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The scene includes a nearly 9-inch long LEGO brick cascading down into Times Square as the partying Minilanders – wearing masks, of course – await a merciful end to 2020 and make their New Year’s resolutions including seeing guests back in the Park in 2021!
Last-minute holiday shoppers can stroll into Miniland U.S.A. to view the scene as they come to the Big Shop for the widest selection of LEGO products on the west coast!
Check out the DIY mixed-up LEGO Minifigure station with specialty pieces never-before-seen in the Park and sets that have sold out at other retail locations. For online shopping and in-store pick-up, visit www.legoland.com/california/things-to-do/lego-retail.
Walt Disney Records has released Disney and Pixar’s Soul Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Soul Original Score vinyl album and Music From and Inspired by Soul vinyl album. The digital soundtrack and both vinyl albums are now available.
“Soul” is directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (“Inside Out,” “Up”), co-directed by Kemp Powers (“One Night in Miami”), and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a. (Pixar short “Lou”). Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” will be available exclusively on Disney+ (where Disney+ is available) beginning Dec. 25, 2020.
“Soul” is set in two distinct worlds, gritty New York City and the ethereal cosmic realms of The Great Before, which called for two styles of music that help shape and define each world.
Globally renowned musician and GRAMMY® nominee Jon Batiste provided the original jazz compositions and arrangements for the film, and Oscar® winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“The Social Network”), from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Nine Inch Nails, created an original score that will drift between the real and soul worlds.
The soundtrack also includes the songs “Rappin Ced” performed by Daveed Diggs, “Parting Ways” performed by Cody ChesnuTT, and Batiste’s cover of the Curtis Mayfield classic “It’s All Right.”
Docter said, “Jon Batiste is a fantastic musician—he’s a historian yet is able to push the music forward, bringing all these different influences to the work. I sincerely hope that jazz music in ‘Soul’ will inspire a whole new generation.”
Batiste said, “All the compositions are influenced by a large swath of the hundred-plus years of jazz music, which gives the listener a lot of reference points. It’s a subtle way to pay homage while also introducing a whole new audience to these types of sounds.”
On creating the score Reznor said, “Our first step is always to listen and really try to understand where the filmmakers are coming from—what they’re seeing, what they’re imagining. We spent a lot of time discussing how you’re supposed to feel when you’re first exposed to the ‘Soul’ world. Then we went back to our studio, which is filled with a variety of real, imagined, and synthetic instruments, and spent the first chunk of time experimenting with different arrangements and different instruments and seeing what felt emotionally right to create the fabric of this world.”
According to Ross, they wanted to help differentiate the areas of that world. “There’s The Great Before, The Great Beyond, The Astral Plane, The You Seminar,” he says. “Every place needed its own identity.”
Docter said, “We wanted the score for this film to be different from any other Pixar film. We were excited to work with Trent and Atticus because we knew they would bring us places we’d never gone before. Their unique approach to sound and creative thinking made them really inspiring to work with.”
The digital Soul Original Motion Picture Soundtrack features 42 score and jazz tracks; the Soul Original Score vinyl album by Reznor and Ross features 23 tracks (Side A 12 tracks / Side B 11 tracks); and Music From and Inspired By Soul vinyl album by Jon Batiste features 22 tracks (Side A 15 tracks / Side B 7 tracks), including his cover of “It’s All Right.”
Mono Lake is one of the oldest and most unique lakes in the Western Hemisphere (photo by Greg Aragon)
California is replete with natural wonders and Mono Lake holds its own against them all. As one of the oldest lakes in the western hemisphere, it is eerily beautiful, with giant tufa structures jetting from its serene surface and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada reflecting in its shimmering blue waters.
Mono Lake
A friend and I began a recent fall getaway to Mono Lake at Whispering Pines Motel & Cabins (www.DiscoverWhisperingPines.com) located in the nearby town of June Lake. A rustic and beautiful property situated at the base of Carson Peak and 1.5 miles from June Mountain, the resort offers motel rooms, cabins, and two-bedroom suites for skiers and families who love the beauty of the Sierras.
Whispering Pines Motel & Cabins is a great place to stay while visiting Mono Lake (photo by Greg Aragon)
Once checked into the room, we headed to Mono Lake, about 15 miles away. Located just east of Yosemite National Park, the lake and the town of Lee Vining, which sits on its western shore, have been the backdrop for numerous films, standing in for the Old West, outer space planets, and the Himalaya in films like Tom Cruise’s Oblivion, Star Trek IX, True Grit, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
In the fall (September-November), crowds have thinned and the fall colors are stunning and magical all around. No matter the season, the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit to the area. The center is located just off Highway 395, north of Lee Vining, and includes a variety of exhibits about the natural and human history of the Mono Basin. The visitor center staff is a wealth of information on Things to Do around the area. They are open 9 am-4 pm daily.
Mono Lake has been the backdrop for numerous classic Hollywood movies (photo by Greg Aragon)
The lake, which has no outlet, covers about 65 square miles and is estimated to be more than 1 million years old. It is known for the alien-looking tufa structures sprouting from the water. The tufa is calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. Throughout its existence, salts and minerals have washed into the lake from Eastern Sierra streams. Freshwater evaporating from the lake each year has left the salts and minerals behind so that the lake is now about three times as salty as the ocean and very alkaline.
Because of its unique composition, Mono Lake has created a rare ecosystem, supporting a complex food chain of green algae, brine shrimp and alkali flies, and more than 80 species of migratory birds. Gulls especially like the lake, as about 85 percent of the bird’s California breeding population nests at the reservoir each year.
The lake is estimated to be more than 1 million years old (photo by Greg Aragon)
In 1941, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power began diverting Mono Lake’s tributary streams to meet growing water demands in Los Angeles. Without its freshwater sources, the volume of Mono Lake was cut in half, while its salinity doubled. Unable to adapt to these changing conditions within such a short period of time, the ecosystem began to collapse.
With the future of the lake in doubt, the Mono Lake Committee was formed in 1978 to help preserve and restore the lake. The organization quickly grew to more than 20,000 members and today it helps protect the lake.
When we got to the lake it was a cool November morning. The water was calm and there were a few other sightseers like ourselves, taking photos, exploring the shoreline, and walking through tall grass, along muddy trails.
The lake has a few different points of interest for visitors. We visited the County Park area, located off US Highway 395, near the town of Lee Vining. This spot has picnic tables and features an easy trail and boardwalk that leads to the lake.
Another good spot is Navy Beach, which is where you can launch kayaks and canoes. It is connected to the South Tufa Area by a short trail, where there is additional parking. Navy Beach is south of Lee Vining off U.S. 395.
For anyone interested in geology, the Panum Crater / Mono Crater area should not be missed. These spectacular young volcanoes, which look ready to erupt at any moment, range in age from 600 to 40,000 years old. Panum is reached via a short dirt road, off Highway 120 east about three miles east of Highway 395.
Fall is a great time to visit Mono Lake, as crowds are light, and snow on the shoreline and tofu can be an incredible sight. But the weather can be tricky and roads can close at any time, so make sure to check the local weather before going. For more information, visit the Mono Lake Committee at www.monolake.org or Mono County Tourism at www.monocounty.org
As Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” nears its debut on Disney+ on December 25, a new sneak peek of the critically acclaimed feature film is now available. (Check it out below). In the movie, Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) is a middle-school band teacher who dreams of playing in the best jazz club in town. Filmmakers found they could relate to the character’s passion for music.
Director Pete Docter grew up in a musical family and plays the double bass. “My folks are both teachers and both musicians,” says Docter. “There are three kids and we all became musicians. I think my mom enjoyed having the Von Trapp family; when people would come over, we’d have to perform. My two sisters stuck with it—one is a cellist with the Metropolitan Opera, and the other one is a violist and a teacher.”
Co-director Kemp Powers, who used to be a music writer, played the alto saxophone in a jazz band during high school. His affinity for jazz plays a big role in his personal life. “My son’s name is Mingus,” says Powers.
“He’s named after Charles Mingus. A lot of us Gen Xers, particularly Black Gen Xers, fell in love with the bebop-era jazz artists—John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, of course, Herbie Hancock. These guys were musical icons that—specifically in New York City—inform so much of the other big musical genre in the city, which is hip hop.
The background tunes of my life are jazz and hip hop.” “Life has so much to offer,” says Joe in the sneak peek. “We only have a short time on this planet. Don’t miss out on the joys of life. Remember to enjoy every minute of it.”
Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” also features the voices of Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Angela Bassett and Daveed Diggs. The film is directed by Docter, co-directed by Powers and produced by Dana Murray. Jazz compositions & arrangements are by globally renowned musician and GRAMMY® nominee Jon Batiste, while Oscar® winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“The Social Network”) composed an original score.
The celebration of Disney and Make-A-Wish® working together for 40 years to grant life-changing wishes continues with the debut of the latest collection of Disney Parks Wishables: Magic Carpets of Aladdin series. Themed to the Magic Carpets of Aladdin Parks attraction, the adorable new collection features the original wish granter himself: Genie! This collection is available now at select Disney Parks around the world, the Disney Store, and online at shopDisney.com.
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Aladdin Make-A-Wish Wishables
The Aladdin series Wishables are the final collection in the trio of product that began with the debut of the popular Wishes Come True Blue color collection and last month’s lovable Mickey Mouse plush, which unlocked donations to Make-A-Wish.
Disney will donate 100 percent of the purchase price from the sales of the Disney Parks Wishables: Magic Carpets of Aladdin series to Make-A-Wish to grant more life-changing wishes. This is the first-ever product collection from Disney Parks with 100 percent of the sales proceeds being donated toacharitable organization.
Enjoy a whole new world of cute with the Magic Carpets of Aladdin Series Disney Parks Wishables Collection. Each blind pack brings one of four known characters inspired by Walt Disney World’s Adventureland attraction, but you won’t know which one you’ve got until you open the pack! Cost: $9.99
Mickey Mouse Make-A-Wish Vintage Holiday Plush
As featured in Disney’s Holiday Spot ”From Our Family To Yours,” this whimsical and exclusive Mickey Mouse Vintage Christmas Plush is a great gift to give. As seen in the spot, Mickey has a stitched ear from when Lola’s favorite toy gets broken and then mended by her granddaughter, showing that the traditions and spirit of the Holidays have passed through each generation.
For every Mickey Vintage Holiday Plush sold through January 31, 2021, shopDisney will donate 25% of the purchase price to Make-A-Wish® to help grant wishes. Cost: $26.99 Available here: shopDisney.com
One of the most beloved rivalries in history is reignited when Jerry moves into New York City’s finest hotel on the eve of “the wedding of the century,” forcing the event’s desperate planner to hire Tom to get rid of him, in director Tim Story’s “Tom and Jerry.” The ensuing cat and mouse battle threatens to destroy her career, the wedding, and possibly the hotel itself. But soon, an even bigger problem arises: a diabolically ambitious staffer conspiring against all three of them.
An eye-popping blend of classic animation and live-action, Tom and Jerry’s new adventure stakes new ground for the iconic characters and forces them to do the unthinkable… work together to save the day.
“Tom and Jerry” stars Chloë Grace Moretz (“Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,” “The Addams Family”), Michael Peña (“Cesar Chavez,” “American Hustle,” “Ant-Man”), Rob Delaney (“Deadpool 2,” “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”), Colin Jost (“How to be Single,” “Saturday Night Live”), and Ken Jeong (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Hangover,” “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”).
The film is directed by Tim Story (“Fantastic Four,” “Think Like a Man,” “Barbershop”) and produced by Chris DeFaria (“The LEGO Movie 2,” “Ready Player One,” “Gravity”).
It is written by Kevin Costello, based on characters created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Serving as executive producers are Tim Story, Adam Goodman, Steven Harding, Sam Register, Jesse Ehrman, and Allison Abbate. The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Alan Stewart, production designer James Hambidge, editor Peter S. Elliot, and costume designer Alison McCosh. The music is composed by Christopher Lennertz.
A Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group presentation, a Tim Story Film, “Tom and Jerry” is slated for release on March 5, 2021, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
The film is rated PG for cartoon violence, rude humor, and brief language.
Disney+ has released the trailerfor“High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special,” which premieresFriday, December 11on the streaming service. On Friday, November 20, the soundtrack from the special will be available on all streaming services.
The trailer includes a preview of “The Perfect Gift,” a new song from the highly anticipated second season of the series, written and performed by Joshua Bassett (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”).
In addition to “The Perfect Gift,” the soundtrack and special will provide fans a sneak peek of “Something In The Air,” the first major musical number from the upcoming second season of the series, which has been “Certified Fresh” by Rotten Tomatoes.
“High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special” will also feature Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, Mark St. Cyr and Kate Reinders sharing their childhood holiday memories, best – and most embarrassing! – gifts, favorite traditions and family photos.
The tracklisting for the special and soundtrack is as follows:
“This Christmas (Hang All The Mistletoe)” – performed by Sofia Wylie
“The Perfect Gift” – written and performed by Joshua Bassett
“Feliz Navidad” – performed by Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini
“The Hanukkah Medley” – performed by Julia Lester
“Last Christmas” – performed by Matt Cornett
“White Christmas” – performed by Larry Saperstein
“Little Saint Nick” – performed by Joshua Bassett and Matt Cornett
“Believe” – performed by Dara Reneé
“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” – performed by Kate Reinders and Mark St. Cyr
“River” – performed by Olivia Rodrigo
“Something In The Air” – performed by the season two cast of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”
“That’s Christmas To Me” – performed by Frankie Rodriguez, Kate Reinders, Julia Lester and Joe Serafini
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – performed by Dara Reneé
Preview clips as well as music video lifts from “High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special” will be available on Disney Music VEVO here.
The hugely successful soundtrack from season one of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” currently available on all streaming services here, yielded nearly three-quarters of a billion audio and video streams, as well as its first gold (U.S., Norway, Sweden, Australia) and platinum (Ireland, Canada) single for “All I Want,” written and performed by Rodrigo.
ABC has announced its star-studded lineup for “The Disney Holiday Singalong,” the third iteration in the ratings phenomenon franchise, with Ryan Seacrest returning to host the night of merry music and magic on MONDAY, NOV. 30(8:00-9:00 p.m. EST).
Celebrity performances and appearances for the festive special include Andrea Bocelli, BTS, Michael Bublé, Ciara, Chloe x Halle, Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert, Julianne Hough, Adam Lambert, Leslie Odom Jr., Katy Perry, P!NK and Kerry Washington. Additional appearances to be announced at a later date.
Plus, grab a box of tissues as Disney on Broadway makes its heartwarming return to the New Amsterdam Theatre for the first time since March, with a sensational performance by the members from the Broadway casts of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” and North American Touring companies of “Frozen.”
Disney Music Group’s acclaimed seven-member a cappella group DCappella also joins in for some seasonal sounds as they will carol throughout the show encouraging viewers at home to sing along.
The jolly one-hour musical event will once again include animated on-screen lyrics to allow viewers at home to sing along to the beloved Disney melodies and classic holiday carols.
“The Disney Holiday Singalong” performances include the following:
Andrea Bocelli– “Silent Night”
BTS – “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
Michael Bublé – “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
Ciara – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
Chloe x Halle – “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert – “Hey Santa” and “Jingle Bells”
Julianne Hough – “Whistle While You Work” and “Let It Snow”
Adam Lambert – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Leslie Odom Jr. – “What’s This?”
Katy Perry – “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Cozy Little Christmas”
P!NK – “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)”
Kerry Washington – “Joy to the World”
For the first time since Broadway’s shutdown, Disney Theatrical Production’s Broadway casts of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” and North American Touring companies of “Frozen” return to The New Amsterdam Theatre to sing a special performance of “Let It Go.”
Led by Caroline Bowman and Aisha Jackson, the number also features Tracee Beazer, Austin Colby, Lindiwe Dlamini, Olivia Donaldson, Bongi Duma, Nicholas Edwards, April Holloway, Ben Jeffrey, Nina LaFarga, Telly Leung, Isabelle McCalla, Paul HeeSang Miller, Kyle Mitchel, Nteliseng Nkhela, Amber Owens, Adam Perry, John Riddle, Ann Sanders, Dennis Stowe, L. Steven Taylor and Nicholas Ward.
The special also raises awareness about Disney’s Feed the Love campaign, driving to Feeding America, Toys for Tots, and One Simple Wish to inspire hope when it’s needed the most in our communities. Viewers can visit Disney.com/FeedTheLove to learn how they can give back to kids and families in need this holiday season and elevate resources for those who need them.
“The Disney Holiday Singalong” is sponsored by T-Mobile, Walmart and Clorox.
Earlier this year, ABC’s “The Disney Family Singalong” and “The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II” drew in a combined 22.3 million Total Viewers after 35 days of delayed viewing on linear and digital platforms. In its April debut, “The Disney Family Singalong” premiered as TV’s highest-rated show among Adults 18-49 (3.4/16) on any network on any night since ABC’s broadcast of “The Oscars®” in February.
“The Disney Holiday Singalong” is produced by Done+Dusted. Executive producers include Done+Dusted’s Hamish Hamilton, Katy Mullan, Raj Kapoor, Patrizia Di Maria, Nick Florez and RJ Durell.
Disney is celebrating the season and this year is decking the halls and spreading the cheer with a heartwarming collection of some of the most festive family viewing of all time.
The “Happy Holidays Collection” has something for everyone from adored classics like “Home Alone” and “The Santa Clause” to highly anticipated Disney+ Originals like “LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special,” which is available now.
“Godmothered” premiering December 4, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special,” premiering December 11, and “On Pointe,” premiering on December 18. The collection also includes “The Simpsons” Christmas episodes from all 31 seasons streaming on Disney+ as well as seasonal episodes from “Boy Meets World,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” and nostalgic classics from some of Disney Channel’s most popular series.
While the weather outside is frightful, the movies premiering on Disney+ this season are delightful, bringing families together with heartwarming new films including “Black Beauty” on November 27, “Safety” on December 11, and “Soul” on December 25.
The milkshake masters at Black Tap are bringing a little more magic to the season with the introduction of a brand-new Special Edition Shake featuring Mickey Mouse. Starting today, November 16, the CrazyShake® will be available on the regular menu at Black Tap Anaheim at the Downtown Disney® District.
The Special Edition Shake featuring Mickey Mouse features a strawberry shake with a vanilla frosted rim with Mickey Mouse sprinkles topped with a homemade Mickey Mouse shaped crisped rice treat, white and red rock candy, whipped cream, red sprinkles and a cherry on top. The shake will be available daily for dine-in and takeout for $24.
“Mickey Mouse is such an iconic character, and we are thrilled to be introducing one of our iconic CrazyShake® milkshakes in his honor,” says Black Tap owner Chris Barish. “At Black Tap, we’re always looking for new ways to deliver an awesome experience for our guests, and we’re so excited to see everyone’s faces light up when this shake arrives at their table.”
Currently, Black Tap Anaheim is open for indoor and outdoor patio dining seven days a week for lunch and dinner. The restaurant has implemented new health and safety measures based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and appropriate government agencies. Visit www.blacktap.com/locations/anaheim or follow @blacktapanaheim on Instagram for more information.
Marvel Studios’ new series “WandaVision,” which premieres January 15, 2021, exclusively on Disney+, just unveiled a new moving poster featuring signature MCU characters Wanda and Vision in intriguing new surroundings.
“WandaVision” is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany)—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. The new series is directed by Matt Shakman; Jac Schaeffer is head writer.
Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, “WandaVision” marks the first series from Marvel Studios streaming exclusively on Disney+.
The series is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.
This summer is going to be epic! Universal Studios Hollywood is unleashing Universal Mega Movie Summer, a brand-new seasonal event turning the park into...
